Religion Feed

Nepal's Day of the Dog 2022

Live from Kathmandu!

Nepal has a delightful tradition of honoring dogs during the celebration of Kukur Tihar.   The second day of Tihar, also known as Diwali, is devoted to giving dogs their due by treating them with delicious foods and adorning them with marigold garlands and a bright red tika blesses their forehead.  

Day of the Dog in Nepal
Day of the Dog in Nepal

This cute Spitz lives on the Stupa and has a first hand view of the colorful Rangoli, the powdered mandala meant to draw Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth into their homes and business.

Day of the Dog in Nepal
Day of the Dog in Nepal

 Hindus believe that dogs can sense forthcoming danger, most importantly death and are specially worshiped on this day.   This guy seems pretty chill.

Day of the Dog in Nepal
Day of the Dog in Nepal

 In Hindu mythology, a dog also known as Shvan is regarded as the or vehicle of Bhairava, an avatar of Lord Shiva. 

The God of Death also has two watchdogs, who guards the gates of hell.   This guy does not like my cowboy hat and is definitely looking askance.

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Dogs are a part of the culture of the World Heritage Site of Boudhanath Stupa.  Worshipers let sleeping dogs lie. 

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And this bread saleslady has already adorned her 2 pups who contentedly sleep while she does business.

Day of the Dog in Boudha
Day of the Dog in Boudha

 Today it is a Day of the Dog's life for these pups, but the dogs of Boudha have it pretty good every day.  

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People line up to buy the marigold and gomphrenia garlands (malla in Nepalese).  Some adorn dogs and others are for doorways and people.

 

To see previous Day of the Dog posts, please go to this link.

If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken, bunny, bearded dragon, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, you can send me a photo of your pet.   I am now in Kathmandu, Nepal, taking orders.

I will return in early December in plenty of time to deliver for holiday gifts.

You choose the style, the color, what you would like the sign to say...

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

 


Laxmi Puja or the Festival of Lights in Boudha

The third day of Tihar starts as being the Day of the Cow, but the real fun starts when evening comes and every home is adorned with colorful powders (rangolis) leading to their front door.   Also lit by butter lamps and candles, this is all meant to attract Laxmi, Goddess of Wealth, to their home.   The day is filled with music and merriment, fireworks and laughter.

But those Rangolis...

 Rangoli on the Boudha Stupa draws many admirers

A large Rangoli made of colored powders

 This one was done by a female Nepali artist.  I remember her from last year.   People come and marvel at this impermanent piece of art.   This rangoli only lasted another 48 hours, but was always admired.

A colorful rangoli beckons Laxmi into a shop

A Rangoli beckons Laxmi to a shop
Rangolis for Laxmi Puja
Rangolis in an arcade in Boudha

 When many shops are in an arcade, the rangolis can get elaborate.   I hope Laxmi isn't confused...

A pinwheel rangoli to entice Laxmi
Rangoli on a quiet street in Boudha

 This pinwheel shape is especially appealing.

Rangoli and fireworks on the Boudha Stupa
Sparklers and fireworks are part of the fun
Sparklers and Rangoli on theBoudha Stupa
Boudha Stupa rang with laughter and sparkled with light

 Cafe du Temple Arcade lit for Laxmi

An arcade in Boudha filled with Rangoli 
Primitive Rangoli in Boudha
A small Rangoli 
Butter lamps heat the night around Boudha Stupa
Butter lamps glow in the night around the Stupa

 Religion is always the reason for any holiday in Nepal. 

Boudha Stupa covered in lights
Boudha Stupa covered in light

 It is always special to see Boudha Stupa lit at night.   During Laxmi Puja they stay on all night.

Street dogs of Boudha
Street dogs of Boudha sleep through the festivities

 These insouciant street dogs don't seem to mind the loud fireworks and the crowds.  They are sleeping in order to get up and bark all night!

 

Street dog of Boudha with Rangoli
The next day the rangoli are intact

 For at least a little while, these rangolis see the light of day before being destroyed by footsteps or dogs or the wind.   After 3 days they are all gone. 

Folk art portrait of a Papillon Chihuahua dog hand painted on metal in Nepal
A Papillon Chihuahua mix by Megh Raj Thapa

This little charmer is hand painted on metal by the sign board artist Megh Raj Thapa and is a perfect example of what you can expect when you order a portrait of your pet.   You can fully customize what you would like it to say, coloring in the background, style of painting (folk art or realistic) and, of course, all pets are welcome.   I have had everything from desert turtles to conyers to ferrets ordered.    Each commission gets a choice of 3 portraits by different artists.

I am currently in Nepal at the beginning of my trip.   Please order soon.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   

I am in Kathmandu right now and taking orders until the November 25, 2017 cut off date.  I will be back in plenty of time to mail your holiday orders.

How to order your custom pet portrait from NepalDog.com

  1. Please send me a photo of your pet.  I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three people will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   [email protected]  
That's it !

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $20 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait. 
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

Let's keep these artists painting.

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!


Live from Kathmandu: Chhath Festivities

It seems like this is the time of year for festivity after festivity.  After last week's Tihar, Chhath comes a few days after with its own fascinating rites and rituals.   This time the focus is on dawn and dusk on the riverbanks of Nepal.   

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During Chhath, a Hindu ceremony, everyone gathers by the side of the river - and sometimes in the river - to worship the sun, aka Surya in the Nepali language.   Originally only practiced in the Terai, or the southern low-lying rice basket of Nepal, in the last 6 years the practice of Chhath has spread to the Kathmandu Valley.

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Fireworks were part of the spectacle.   Even though outlawed, firecrackers were common.

The ceremony is believed to bring prosperity, well-being and progress as well as curing skin conditions including leprosy.

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Nepal's current President, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, turned out for the ceremonies, though he and his party were in a separate tent from the locals.

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The Nepali police wasted no time in moving us so that the President could drive through.  They gently waved their batons. 

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As the sun sets, the ladies gather with their offerings of flowers and food.   The women also fast and eat no meat during this four-day holiday.   Some towns in Nepal have become completely vegetarian for the holiday and butcher shops take the days off.

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People wait patiently to get across the river to the main temple area of Pushupathinath.

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The president's private tent was on the other side of the river from main festivities.   The name Chhath is from the number 6 in the Hindu language.   Chhath is also celebrated in India by both Hindus and Jains.

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This morning around the Boudha stupa, a black dog enjoys his drink from a small cup while another pup curls up in the sun.

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Buster the Labrador Retriever by Baba, Megh Raj Thapa and Sagar (clockwise from top left)

Buster is a water dog that loves his Caribbean beaches.   He would be at home in the river with the Chhath celebrants.   His owner could not choose and bought all three of the above portraits.   Theya re all quite different and great in their own way.   Love the deep shadow on the beach on all three.

This is what you can expect when you honor your dog (or cat or bunny) with a Nepal Art Dog portrait.  The time to order is now.   No obligation to buy, but I bet you will not be able to resist!  You will receive your choice of portrait in time for the holidays.   Orders accepted through the end of November.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken , bunny, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, now is the perfect time to order.   I am here in November, 2012, to order more Danger Dogs and Cats.

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now accepted for the Fall 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

Micro-finance through art patronage.    Trade not Aid.

 

 


Live from Kathmandu: Tihar continues

Today is the final day of Nepal's Festival of Lights also known as Deepawalli, Diwalli or Tihar.

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The next to last day of Tihar is Laxmi Puja where everyone lights the way for the Goddess Laxmi to bring prosperity to their homes.  Held on the night of the new moon (black moon is the term that a Nepali would use), it was quite beautiful to see the lights lining the walkways.

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Around the Boudhanath stupa there were some lovely examples, even though this is a Hindu holiday.

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They just keep getting bigger and bigger.   This mandala outside the Boudha Gate is part of the Buddhist tradition of transitory art.  Done with colorful powders, it has already been blown to the four winds.

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Much more modest but quite clever is this footpath leading Laxmi to their home.

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More ornate, but still with the footsteps leading Laxmi into their home.

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This young and friendly cow is still enjoying the benefits of her recent Day of the Cow ceremony.   Lots of greens and a place to eat by the river.

I have an order for a cow this trip, so stay tuned for some new and interesting Danger Cow art!   I think Holy Cow would be more appropriate in a cow portrait from Nepal.

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The late guru Om Sai is well represented here at this motorcycle shop.

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This motorcycle dealer is covering all his bases.   Another guru flanks the other side of his showroom.

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The Day of the Dog lives on in this scruffy dog's necklace of marigolds.

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Zuma the Puggle by Nara, Baba and Megh Raj Thapa (clockwise from top left).

This is the choice that Zuma's mistress had the last Danger Dog trip.   She finally chose Zuma's portrait by Baba, but it was not easy.

This is what you can expect when you honor your dog (or cat) with a Nepal Art Dog portrait.  The time to order is now.   No obligation to buy, but I bet you will not be able to resist!  You will receive your choice of portrait in time for the holidays.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken , bunny, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, now is the perfect time to order.   I am here in November, 2012, to order more Danger Dogs and Cats.

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now accepted for the Fall 2012 trip.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

Micro-finance through art patronage.    Trade not Aid.

 


Live from Kathmandu!

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The festival of Tihar includes many ceremonies, including the mandalas made in the middle of busy streets across Kathmandu.   This large and impermanent mandala was constructed outside the congested Boudhha gates, but traffic seemed to take it in stride.

 

More tomorrow.   The computer here is taking 30 minutes and not downloading the photos.   Stay tuned.

if you would like to order a Danger Dog, now is the best time.   You can order as late as Thanksgiving, but sooner is better.  Contact me at [email protected] for moe information.

You can also go to the NepalDog.com website to see more.